דֹּתָן (do.tan)
do.tan
Dothan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun dothan refers to a specific location in northern Israel, situated approximately twelve miles north of Samaria. The name itself translates to "two wells," a detail that highlights the site’s importance as a water source in an arid region. This geographical feature likely explains why it served as a significant landmark and settlement point during biblical times.
Scripture mentions this place only twice, yet each instance carries narrative weight. In Genesis 37:17, Joseph’s brothers travel to dothan to graze their father’s flock, marking the location where they plot against him before he is sold into slavery. Later, in 2 Kings 6:13, the king of Aram sends horses and chariots to dothan to capture the prophet Elisha, who is staying there with his servant.
These brief references establish dothan as a setting for pivotal moments involving both patriarchal family conflict and prophetic ministry. Its dual mention underscores its role as a known waypoint in the northern territories, connecting stories of betrayal and divine protection across different eras of Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Dothan means "two wells," a practical detail that reveals how God provides for His people in unexpected places. This location served as a vital water source in northern Israel, anchoring stories of both human conflict and divine protection. When Joseph’s brothers were there, they plotted against him, yet God was already at work to preserve life through that betrayal.
Centuries later, the prophet Elisha stayed in Dothan while armies gathered to capture him. Though surrounded by danger, Elisha saw that God’s protection was far greater than any human threat. This place reminds us that even when circumstances seem hostile or confusing, God is present and active, turning difficult moments into opportunities for His faithfulness to shine through.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ Dothan1×
- at/ Dothan1×
- Dothan/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דֹּתָ֑יְנָ/ה1×
- בְּ/דֹתָֽן\׃1×
- בְ/דֹתָֽן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 37:17
The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.
This verse marks the location where Joseph’s brothers plotted against him, showing how God’s plan unfolded even through human betrayal.
-
II Kings 6:13
He said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.” He was told, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”
Here Elisha is found in Dothan by enemy forces, highlighting the setting for a moment of divine protection that reassures believers of God’s presence in danger.